TuxedoTranslations

Chapter 51

Albin hesitated at Jacques’ proposal.

Jacques studied the expressions of the two children. Little Black was clearly still wary of him, and among the two, it seemed Albin was the one who should make the decision.

Jacques explained his advantages.

“My name is Jacques. I’m a knight, currently traveling to investigate certain matters. Both of you have great potential, and surviving as orphans in Thorn City isn’t easy. I hope to take care of you and teach you.”

Albin felt a little moved.

He didn’t intend to recognize another father, but life here was indeed not easy for him and Little Black.

It was still autumn, so they could find some work to earn a little money. But when the cold winter came, work and food would be scarce, and danger would increase. No matter how versatile Albin’s magic was, he couldn’t conjure warm clothes out of thin air. Surviving alone would be very difficult for the two children.

Some orphans in Thorn City had to rely on special means to survive, such as stealing or helping adults with illegal work.

Compared to that, being adopted was certainly a good option.

But Albin couldn’t decide this alone. He held Little Black’s hand, planning to discuss it together later.

“Suddenly saying this is a bit abrupt. I’ll be staying in Thorn City for a while; you can think it over,” Jacques said confidently. “I’ll do my best to be a good father. Please consider me~”

He reached out to ruffle the two children’s heads, but Little Black turned his head away, so his hand only landed on Albin’s.

Seeing this, Little Black widened his eyes at him, almost baring his teeth.

If Little Black were older, he might have looked intimidating, but for now, he was just a small child—cute but feisty.

Jacques chuckled, a hint of mischief rising in his heart.

Children’s expressions were really amusing.

After successfully reuniting with Albin and his friend, Jacques left, waving goodbye.

Unexpectedly, Albin and Little Black muttered a few words to each other, then hurriedly ran after him and grabbed him, flashing a warm, enthusiastic smile.

“Brother Jacques doesn’t have any money right now. If you don’t have a place to stay, you can stay with us!”

Ah! What a thoughtful little cutie.

Jacques clutched his chest.

His heart, hurt when his pouch of money was stolen, was healed again.

He gladly agreed but couldn’t help giving a reminder: “Don’t invite just anyone to your home casually.”

There were so many bad people in Thorn City.

Albin replied without hesitation, “I trust you, Brother Jacques.”

Jacques sighed helplessly, a warm yet worried feeling welling up in his heart.

So this is what it feels like to raise children?

He glanced at Little Black. Seeing his cautious expression again, he actually felt a small sense of reassurance.

Thankfully, Albin had a vigilant companion by his side.

Jacques followed the two children back home. This man, who had sworn to adopt them, ended up being “adopted” by the children himself.

Albin and Little Black’s home was small, with only one room. In it stood a tiny earthen stove. A soft pile of wheat straw, a little distance from the “kitchen,” served as their bed, covered with a cloth. Both children slept there.

Such conditions clearly wouldn’t suffice to survive the winter.

Jacques took note of this, further solidifying his resolve to take in the two children.

Albin helped Little Black prepare food and suddenly noticed a flash of orange outside the window.

“Little White?” Little Black noticed his distraction.

Albin shook his head to indicate he was fine.

In a daze, he had even thought he saw the Lion Gentleman.

After the meal, Jacques temporarily left, claiming he needed to retrieve his sword, giving the two children enough time to discuss things.

Albin seized the opportunity to ask Little Black, “What do you think about letting him adopt us?”

“Do you want a father?” Little Black didn’t know who his own father was. He didn’t mind having another, but he knew Albin often murmured “father” in his sleep.

Albin shook his head. “I already have a father. Even if I were adopted, I couldn’t call him father. What about you, Little Black?”

“I’ll think about it…” Little Black was highly suspicious of that adult with the perverted grin, but he also knew the benefits of being adopted and didn’t reject the idea outright.

After finishing this conversation, Little Black pressed Albin about what exactly had happened yesterday. He cautiously, as if afraid of hurting him, touched the reddened areas around Albin’s eyes.

He grit his teeth and asked, “Who made you cry?”

Albin felt extremely guilty and recounted everything honestly, including feeding the lion in the arena. Previously, he had only told Little Black he worked in the arena, without mentioning how dangerous the work actually was.

“…I’m sorry, Little Black, for making you worry.”

Little Black was silent.

Albin had done such dangerous work without his knowledge and even became upset to the point of his magic spiraling over a lion.

A sharp sense of helplessness welled up in him. He couldn’t imagine—if Jacques hadn’t taken him away, would Albin have been buried under the ruins? And if that lion became displeased, would he never see Albin again?

And all this had happened while he might have been completely unaware.

Just like the time they escaped from the castle, he had no idea that Albin had been sold.

He clenched his fists in frustration, his heart trembling. Gritting his teeth, he forced the words out of his throat: “I understand.”

To Albin’s surprise, he didn’t get angry, and he didn’t even call himself a fool.

“Little Black?” he sensed that something felt off.

Inside, Little Black’s emotions churned strangely as he asked in a low voice, “Do you care a lot about that lion?”

“Because Mr. Lion has been very good to me. Lately, we’ve been able to eat meat, all thanks to him,” Albin said, his voice tinged with sadness as he mentioned Mr. Lion.

Little Black was determined not to be outdone: “I’ll be good to you too!”

Albin tilted his head, thinking to himself: is this what Little Black cares about?

“You’ve already been very good to me. Without you, I couldn’t survive here alone.” He held Little Black’s hand, passing warmth into the icy fingers.

“You don’t need to compare yourself to anyone! You’re the first friend my age I’ve had in this world. You’ve always been special to me.”

Feeling that warmth, Little Black couldn’t help but wonder: would Mr. Lion also be special to Albin?

If he died, would Albin be that heartbroken?

They had left the castle and no longer only had each other.

Even though he was Albin’s first friend, Albin would meet more people in the future—maybe even better friends.

One random person Albin had met, Jacques, was a prince. Albin’s magic was powerful; in the future, nobles would value him, or he might enter a temple and become a prominent cleric, moving far beyond Little Black.

The light he glimpsed now might one day return to the heavens, becoming part of the stars.

What would happen to him then?

He had only ever been a slave and a laborer, lacking the unique knowledge Albin had. He had no idea what his own future would hold.

His mind was in turmoil, and he forgot to reply to Albin.

“Little Black.” Albin’s eyes were full of curiosity and concern. “Your breathing is all messed up. You silly boy, what are you thinking about?”

Little Black’s breath caught.

He avoided the question and only asked, “Are you still listening to my breathing?”

It had only been a little game they played in the tower before.

“Of course!” Albin said confidently. “I told you, Little Black’s breathing makes me feel at ease… Wait a minute!”

Suddenly, Albin realized something and stared intently.

“So… you’re not watching me now?” he asked in shock.

It felt strange that only he had been doing it.

“Yes, I am watching,” Little Black quickly said, then asked, “Do you care that much?”

“Mm-hmm~” Albin brightened again. “Just thinking that ‘Little Black is watching me’ makes me try to stay happy and show my best side to you. I want you to be happy too.”

“If I can make Little Black happy, I feel accomplished—and even happier myself.”

Little Black tried to pull the corners of his mouth into a smile to show he was pleased.

But it ended up looking more like a grimace or a threat.

He always felt like Little Black had a cool, villainous face. Who knows what he would look like when he grew up?

Albin looked forward to it.

“You don’t need to do that. I also hope that when you’re upset, you can show it honestly—and share it with me too! Friends can share little secrets.”

Clumsy Little Black felt a little dizzy from Albin’s words.

No matter what, it seemed Albin always made sense.

Excited, Albin asked again, “Our place doesn’t have peepholes, so when do you usually watch me?”

Facing those inquisitive red eyes, Little Black replied softly, “When I sleep… sometimes in the morning, sometimes at night.”

“I see!”

“What about you?” Little Black asked nervously. “When do you pay attention to me?”

Albin couldn’t help but smile brightly.

“It’s a secret!”

Little Black protested: “That’s not fair.”

“Unless you tell me what you were thinking before!”

Little Black was caught in a dilemma.

He really wanted to know the answer, but he didn’t dare trade that information.

He worried Albin would mock him, and even more, that Albin might realize he could make many capable friends, not need him so much, and grow distant.

Seeing Little Black hesitate, Albin muttered in frustration:

“Silly Little Black!”

“I’m going to sleep. These past few days I’m exhausted… After crying the other day, I felt dizzy.”

He curled up on the wheat straw, eyes closed but still moving them around.

Hearing Little Black’s footsteps approach, he deliberately “swish!” opened his eyes, seeing Little Black’s deep azure eyes staring at him intently.

Just like before.

He couldn’t help but smile happily and pulled Little Black to lie beside him on the straw.

Pressing his forehead against Little Black’s, he exclaimed with delight as if discovering a new continent: “Little Black’s breathing is warm!”

Little Black looked puzzled. What was so surprising?

Albin explained: “Wind magic can’t carry temperature accurately.”

As the weather grew colder, the warmth of his breath became more noticeable, and he suddenly realized it.

“Little Black has many secrets—I’ll try to uncover them all!” He approached it like a treasure hunt, growing braver and more excited.

Little Black’s restless heart was strangely soothed.

At least for now, he felt Albin wouldn’t grow distant.

Albin soon fell asleep. It wasn’t yet night, and Little Black felt no sleepiness, so, as usual, he watched him.

Until he heard footsteps outside—it was Jacques returning.

He tiptoed out and met Jacques’ gaze.

He asked directly: “Are you strong?”

Jacques smiled: “I wouldn’t say I’m the strongest knight in the world, but I am confident in my abilities.”

He had earned the title of Oath Knight by defeating countless talented people.

“Are you serious about teaching us?”

“Of course. You both have considerable talent.”

“I want to become strong,” Little Black said, his deep blue eyes firm. “I want to protect Little White.”

He didn’t want to be left behind by Albin, who had magical talent. If Albin became a cleric one day, he would follow him no matter what.

He wanted the strength to stand beside Albin and protect him from danger.

His pure intention made Jacques smile knowingly.

“For a knight, that’s the best kind of motivation imaginable.”